A OBD2 Scanner with I/M readiness is a good thing to have to check multiple vehicles you may be looking at and to keep for yourself for your own vehicles. 3 things that are easy to check for. The Oil, if it looks like coffee creamer on the dip stick walk away. That's potentially a blown head gasket trying to be hidden. If the coolant looks like coffee creamer or chunky that's also a potential blown head gasket. Very expensive to fix and in some cases not worth fixing. If the car is a automatic check the Transmission Dip Stick Fluid should be pinkish , a little dirty is normal back fluid usually a neglected transmission. If you really like a vehicle and everything is looking good consider a mechanic to give it one final look. Most should charge around $100. A scanner is good so you don't have to pay $100 for every vehicle you look at. It's just nice to have so you can get a general idea of a vehicles health. Good luck!
Hey John, got an idea for your next video. My Van almost got stolen at work yesterday. You should maybe try to show people how to install a Killswitch in their van😊
Used vans and trucks are going for crazy prices, even with high mileage. When I found my Chevy Express 5.0L van (used) for a crazy low price, I took cash and my GF to look at it. First thing I did was crawl under the van and look for evidence of any type of damage and oil leaks of any kind. Physical appearance doesn't mean anything if the undercarriage is shot or wet. Then I took it for a test launch down a side street and slammed on the brakes. It stopped good and straight. Handed over cash and drove it home. That was 90 some odd thousand miles ago.
I need to do a level 2 guide of this! This is the know nothing about vehicles and using a scanner to get some idea of whats up with what you're looking at. Hope this helps someone have the confidence to walk away if they suspect a check engine light is being hidden.
Good tips! I have went to go see a few cars that the person already had running. Alwaysme suspicious, major red flag, most likely runs like a bag when cold/starting issues/cold misifre etc. Those emissions monitors are a good tell tale, well worth it just to know the cat is good. Also turn the key on but dont start and make sure every bulb comes on Check engine, ABS, oil pressure etc. make sure someone hasnt pulled the cluster out and removed any bulbs, see that all the time with the ABS one here in the north. Just bought a dash mounted obd scanner that has live data, excited to have an rpm gauge and accurate temp read outs I dont trust the aging chevy gauges 😅
I like looking at vans in FB Marketplace to give friends who want a van the heads up on good deals. I saw the dreaded 6.0 Deisel for sale with a lift kit. Owner wanted $14,000 for it claimed it was "Bullet Proofed" most who claim it have no proof/receipts. It was advertised as runs great when warmed up a little rough when cold. SH*t bag was trying to dump off a van that's about to need new injectors. Since you are a mechanic I'm sure you know that diesel injectors are $500-$1000 a pop. Saw that van listed down to $8000. Hope no one bought that piece of junk. I'm running a Ultra Gauge in my van. Can't believe Ford Didn't put a tach in a 350! Hope you are doing well man! Great tips on to scan for the bulbs at hot position.
@@JohnDrivesAnything Yeah... anyone who goes through the trouble and money to bullet proof a 6.0 and then sells it, most likely is having big problems. Expensive problems...lol price drop - there is another major red flag, usually means someone knowledgeable showed up and picked it apart or they are getting desperate. Nice! no tack in the Astro either! not sure why, it is way too easy to over rev this van especially on hills and the engine is so quiet(compared to the rest of the van). Nice how has the ultra gauge been? I went with an ali express special Konwei or something, just playing with it now actually. Thanks John! I am doing good, living full time in the astro now, was going to be temporary but things changed and time flies lol Not working as a mechanic currently which is nice, avoiding winter and my back and knees are thanking me even though I'm living in a low roof van 😆not sure If I am hangin up the wrenches for good or not would like to transition into something else just not sure what yet. Trying to push myself to focus on youtube more these days, getting close to that 1000 subs and a few hundred off on the watch hours, ill get there soon. Van is looking awesome! good to see the OG retro gaming setup is still ripping! just bought one of those emulator handheld jobbies to try and run off my tv, it works but a bit finicky and doesnt beat the old tech, ill be giving you a shout out once it makes it into a video! you were running a flat screen in a van while most were still trying to figure out how to charge their phones 🤣
@@alwaysgoodinthewoods I'm going to catch up on your videos man. How close are you on those watch hours? Ultra Gauge has been great. The one in my van came out of 2 previous cars. th-cam.com/video/0oAKT3XqNHU/w-d-xo.html
@@JohnDrivesAnything Very nice, that is the mark of a good electronic when it makes it into several vehicles. This one is supposed to read/clear codes and have a full data stream, seems good so far. Doesn't stay on while plugged into the obd port which I was a bit worried about. Just checked and I am 3708/4000 😅so close and I have a ton of footage that I need to edit/upload, no excuse really just lost a couple videos and got discouraged, stilll have all the raw clips though so no worries.
If you're a noob that knows nothing about cars this is a great tool to have to check multiple vans/cars/trucks you are interested in. Good idea to have mechanic do a final check up before you buy they usually charge $100. Then keep the tool in your car so you can diagnose yourself when you get a check engine light. Hopefully someone sees this and if they suspect the seller is hiding a check engine light they are confident to walk away. Sketchiest thing sh*t bag sellers try to do is warm up vehicles that run good warm and like crap cold so they can hide problems from the buyer.
Good info ! At 74 , I guess I will have to go back over the road driving for a year or 2 . Park my van and get into a truck . Maybe a weekend van occasionally . Stay safe out there !
This hobby/lifestyle is growing! I seen some sh*t bag sellers trying to dump off vans to unsuspecting people on market place. One of them was a Lifted 6.0 Diesel Econoline listed at $14,000 claiming "Bullet Proofing" was advertised as runs great when hot a little rough when cold. That seller was trying to pawn off a $6000 issue. Saw that van drop to $8000. Hopefully no one bought it. I hope this video helps someone who doesn't know much about cars at least gain some knowledge to gain the confidence to walk away if it appears the seller is trying to hide a check engine light.
Have you done any videos on rust in the Ford Econolines? Maybe what kind of rust to walk away from and what kind of rust is fixable? Thanks for your videos please keep them coming!
A tiny bit of surface rust is fine but if you tap the frame with a hammer and pieces are flaking off walk away. Walk away of the bolts look blended into the frame with rust those bolts are just going to break. Rusting roof is typical on Econoilines so take a peak at the roof when looking at one.
Obd1 for older than 96 (?) .. there's a obd2 pin to obd1 pin adapter (per make such as ford, gm, mazda); anyone try adapter with their obd2 reader? Wondering if i should get obd1 reader gadget vs just the adapter.
@@JohnDrivesAnything TU for response and raising awareness. Had no idea of lack of standards and proprietary nonsense OBD1 faced. I know you can jump the plug but I prefer van talking to me rather than blinking at me. And yes, I am the type that would be pulling wires and plugs and gadgets instead of filling the tire because check engine light is on. For my 1990 Ford e150, looks like innova 3145 is best option and under 35 on Amazon. I researched adapters a bit more (just a little bit) :: because of proprietary nonsense and lack of standards, adapters to OBD2 reader are a waste .. starting with, obd1 plug won't play OBD2 reader due to incorrect voltage: won't turn on.
A while back I remember a Mechanic I knew had a complex OBD1 but it was thousands of dollars. Theres nothing on the market yet that actually talks to you vs just blinking?
@@sheilaburns7123 I'll do more rearch on OBD1s. I have a 1992 Geo Tracker. I made this video to help people with no knowledge of vehicles to get some idea on what to look for so they aren't totally lost. It would be great to help people with OBD1
A OBD2 Scanner with I/M readiness is a good thing to have to check multiple vehicles you may be looking at and to keep for yourself for your own vehicles.
3 things that are easy to check for.
The Oil, if it looks like coffee creamer on the dip stick walk away. That's potentially a blown head gasket trying to be hidden.
If the coolant looks like coffee creamer or chunky that's also a potential blown head gasket. Very expensive to fix and in some cases not worth fixing. If the car is a automatic check the Transmission Dip Stick Fluid should be pinkish , a little dirty is normal back fluid usually a neglected transmission.
If you really like a vehicle and everything is looking good consider a mechanic to give it one final look. Most should charge around $100. A scanner is good so you don't have to pay $100 for every vehicle you look at. It's just nice to have so you can get a general idea of a vehicles health. Good luck!
Hey John, got an idea for your next video. My Van almost got stolen at work yesterday. You should maybe try to show people how to install a Killswitch in their van😊
@kodalife8642 I use the club still 😆
@@JohnDrivesAnything yep I’m about to order now 😁
Used vans and trucks are going for crazy prices, even with high mileage. When I found my Chevy Express 5.0L van (used) for a crazy low price, I took cash and my GF to look at it. First thing I did was crawl under the van and look for evidence of any type of damage and oil leaks of any kind. Physical appearance doesn't mean anything if the undercarriage is shot or wet. Then I took it for a test launch down a side street and slammed on the brakes. It stopped good and straight. Handed over cash and drove it home. That was 90 some odd thousand miles ago.
I need to do a level 2 guide of this! This is the know nothing about vehicles and using a scanner to get some idea of whats up with what you're looking at. Hope this helps someone have the confidence to walk away if they suspect a check engine light is being hidden.
Vans are nuts and are becoming classics.
Remove the dog house & check for oil leaks. The 4.6l is prone to passenger side valve cover & head gasket leaks
This is beginner level, I should do a step 2! Intermediate!
Good tips! I have went to go see a few cars that the person already had running. Alwaysme suspicious, major red flag, most likely runs like a bag when cold/starting issues/cold misifre etc. Those emissions monitors are a good tell tale, well worth it just to know the cat is good. Also turn the key on but dont start and make sure every bulb comes on Check engine, ABS, oil pressure etc. make sure someone hasnt pulled the cluster out and removed any bulbs, see that all the time with the ABS one here in the north.
Just bought a dash mounted obd scanner that has live data, excited to have an rpm gauge and accurate temp read outs I dont trust the aging chevy gauges 😅
I like looking at vans in FB Marketplace to give friends who want a van the heads up on good deals. I saw the dreaded 6.0 Deisel for sale with a lift kit. Owner wanted $14,000 for it claimed it was "Bullet Proofed" most who claim it have no proof/receipts.
It was advertised as runs great when warmed up a little rough when cold. SH*t bag was trying to dump off a van that's about to need new injectors. Since you are a mechanic I'm sure you know that diesel injectors are $500-$1000 a pop.
Saw that van listed down to $8000. Hope no one bought that piece of junk.
I'm running a Ultra Gauge in my van. Can't believe Ford Didn't put a tach in a 350!
Hope you are doing well man!
Great tips on to scan for the bulbs at hot position.
@@JohnDrivesAnything Yeah... anyone who goes through the trouble and money to bullet proof a 6.0 and then sells it, most likely is having big problems. Expensive problems...lol price drop - there is another major red flag, usually means someone knowledgeable showed up and picked it apart or they are getting desperate.
Nice! no tack in the Astro either! not sure why, it is way too easy to over rev this van especially on hills and the engine is so quiet(compared to the rest of the van).
Nice how has the ultra gauge been? I went with an ali express special Konwei or something, just playing with it now actually.
Thanks John! I am doing good, living full time in the astro now, was going to be temporary but things changed and time flies lol Not working as a mechanic currently which is nice, avoiding winter and my back and knees are thanking me even though I'm living in a low roof van 😆not sure If I am hangin up the wrenches for good or not would like to transition into something else just not sure what yet.
Trying to push myself to focus on youtube more these days, getting close to that 1000 subs and a few hundred off on the watch hours, ill get there soon.
Van is looking awesome! good to see the OG retro gaming setup is still ripping! just bought one of those emulator handheld jobbies to try and run off my tv, it works but a bit finicky and doesnt beat the old tech, ill be giving you a shout out once it makes it into a video! you were running a flat screen in a van while most were still trying to figure out how to charge their phones 🤣
@@alwaysgoodinthewoods I'm going to catch up on your videos man. How close are you on those watch hours?
Ultra Gauge has been great. The one in my van came out of 2 previous cars.
th-cam.com/video/0oAKT3XqNHU/w-d-xo.html
@@JohnDrivesAnything Very nice, that is the mark of a good electronic when it makes it into several vehicles.
This one is supposed to read/clear codes and have a full data stream, seems good so far. Doesn't stay on while plugged into the obd port which I was a bit worried about.
Just checked and I am 3708/4000 😅so close and I have a ton of footage that I need to edit/upload, no excuse really just lost a couple videos and got discouraged, stilll have all the raw clips though so no worries.
Everyone should have one that has a car
If you're a noob that knows nothing about cars this is a great tool to have to check multiple vans/cars/trucks you are interested in. Good idea to have mechanic do a final check up before you buy they usually charge $100. Then keep the tool in your car so you can diagnose yourself when you get a check engine light.
Hopefully someone sees this and if they suspect the seller is hiding a check engine light they are confident to walk away.
Sketchiest thing sh*t bag sellers try to do is warm up vehicles that run good warm and like crap cold so they can hide problems from the buyer.
Winterisblu for the win lol. Dam ya had rollin there for a min. Great content bro!!
He needs to hang out with us and learn how to make his van cool!
Thank you! I'm tryna buy an Econoline van to go camp in and your vids really help, i have so many questions
Feel free to ask all the questions you want buddy
Appreciate the info on checking my codes!! Save money on repairs also…with that OBD monitor…keep up the good content!
Everything good with your van buddy?
For sure all is good-151,000 and running strong…the new lights are a game changer
Nice! Just hit 150,000 this week! I'm copying your lights! Bejing designs!
Bro! Winterisblu is one of my favorite van lifer channels too. Lol
I sent him a email letting him know to go to our meet and we will teach him how to make his van cool, Ryan will hook him up with a ladder.
@ that’s what’s up! I’m definitely pulling up for the next one
Good info ! At 74 , I guess I will have to go back over the road driving for a year or 2 . Park my van and get into a truck . Maybe a weekend van occasionally . Stay safe out there !
Nice to hear from you again buddy. Stay safe I hope you get cool stuff for your van when you're back.
Good info to know. Thanks John.
This hobby/lifestyle is growing! I seen some sh*t bag sellers trying to dump off vans to unsuspecting people on market place. One of them was a Lifted 6.0 Diesel Econoline listed at $14,000 claiming "Bullet Proofing" was advertised as runs great when hot a little rough when cold. That seller was trying to pawn off a $6000 issue. Saw that van drop to $8000. Hopefully no one bought it.
I hope this video helps someone who doesn't know much about cars at least gain some knowledge to gain the confidence to walk away if it appears the seller is trying to hide a check engine light.
Good stuff bro
Saw your email man. I'll send you suspension pics tomorrow. Forgot to do it today!
No rush bro, I’ve got to find something being parted out and get the I- beams.
Have you done any videos on rust in the Ford Econolines? Maybe what kind of rust to walk away from and what kind of rust is fixable? Thanks for your videos please keep them coming!
A tiny bit of surface rust is fine but if you tap the frame with a hammer and pieces are flaking off walk away. Walk away of the bolts look blended into the frame with rust those bolts are just going to break. Rusting roof is typical on Econoilines so take a peak at the roof when looking at one.
Obd1 for older than 96 (?) .. there's a obd2 pin to obd1 pin adapter (per make such as ford, gm, mazda); anyone try adapter with their obd2 reader?
Wondering if i should get obd1 reader gadget vs just the adapter.
Have prices on OBD1 tools gone down and become more simple?
@@JohnDrivesAnything TU for response and raising awareness. Had no idea of lack of standards and proprietary nonsense OBD1 faced.
I know you can jump the plug but I prefer van talking to me rather than blinking at me. And yes, I am the type that would be pulling wires and plugs and gadgets instead of filling the tire because check engine light is on.
For my 1990 Ford e150, looks like innova 3145 is best option and under 35 on Amazon.
I researched adapters a bit more (just a little bit) :: because of proprietary nonsense and lack of standards, adapters to OBD2 reader are a waste .. starting with, obd1 plug won't play OBD2 reader due to incorrect voltage: won't turn on.
A while back I remember a Mechanic I knew had a complex OBD1 but it was thousands of dollars. Theres nothing on the market yet that actually talks to you vs just blinking?
@@JohnDrivesAnything Ford: innova 3145. Have one en route.
@@sheilaburns7123 I'll do more rearch on OBD1s. I have a 1992 Geo Tracker.
I made this video to help people with no knowledge of vehicles to get some idea on what to look for so they aren't totally lost.
It would be great to help people with OBD1